Deans Marsh Road is a stunning road which links the town of Lorne on the Great Ocean Road to the town of Deans Marsh. This climb takes you through the majestic Otway State Forest. This is renowned for its tall trees, ancient plant life and lush ferns and is quite a stunning rain forest. This is a climb which if you haven’t done, you should add to your bucket list.

The Erskine River

Deans Marsh Road climb

The climb starts In Lorne just next to the Erskine River at the roundabout next to the Foodworks at Deans Marsh Road & the Great Ocean Road.

The climb up Deans Marsh Road is 10 km in distance and overall is offers a fairly consistent gradient and is considered a gentle climb. The road is well shaded and protected from the wind, and is a good climb to do all year round. Deans Marsh Road winds its way through the Otway State Forest, which has lots of winding corners and stunning scenery to help break up your climb. You’ll find a short false flat at 4 and 6.5 km into the climb.

This is a climb which you will want to find your sweet spot and sit on a nice steady tempo. Its also a great climb to test yourself out on, and have a pissing contest with your mates. This climb is also a favourite of Tour de France winner Cadel Evens who lives in Barwon Heads.

The climb ends at the intersection with Benwerrin-Mount Sabine Road.

This climb has been used in the Amy Gillet Gran Fondo. A ‘Gran Fondo’ is an age-old Italian cycling term, which means ‘great endurance’. The top 25% of finishers in the Age Group categories can qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships.

Deans Marsh Road

How to get there

Lorne is a breathtaking seaside town where the bush meets the beach. It is situated in the Ottway Ranges on the Great Ocean Road. Located approximately 142 km south west of Melbourne and is accessed either via the Great Ocean Road or Deans Marsh Road.

It is a stunning place to visit with its winding coast line, and mountain ranges. All of the roads in the township of Lorne itself are very steep, and offers some of the state’s toughest climbs

Lorne has arguably the most challenging climbs in all of Victoria. It is a playground for those that love extreme climbing. The majority of backstreets all have gradients which peak at 20%. And home to arguably Victoria’s hardest climb Francis Street.

During fire season

The Ottway Ranges are in a fire district. Anyone entering parks and forests during the bushfire season needs to stay aware of forecast weather conditions. Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at www.cfa.vic.gov.au or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.